How the Chief Product Officer Program Helped Bhanu Peri Elevate Her Product Leadership

Bhanu Peri, a seasoned product manager at Meta’s Reality Labs, wanted a whole new perspective to navigate the evolving product management field. She aimed for a deeper understanding of product strategy to align with overarching business goals along with stronger leadership and management skills. Bhanu chose the Kellogg Chief Product Officer Program, which shaped her into a “more seasoned and better thought leader.”

In an interview, Bhanu Peri shares how the Kellogg CPO Program transformed her thinking, sharpened her ability to create innovative solutions, and connected her with a powerful network of experienced product professionals. This story offers aspiring senior executives and emerging chief product officers, valuable insight into what the program is designed to deliver.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Did the Kellogg Chief Product Officer Program help you build practical skills that you could immediately apply as a product leader?

Bhanu Peri: One of the most powerful aspects was how hands-on the learning experience felt. The capstone project pushed us to think strategically under pressure. We solved real-world challenges in a simulated environment that imitated the high-stakes environment we usually work in. The simulated scenarios strengthened our resilience and the ability to make faster and effective decisions amidst ambiguities and stricter deadlines. The entire experience instilled in me a renewed confidence to lead as a product leader in my organization.

Q: What part of the learning experience had the most lasting impact on the way you think or operate as a product executive?

Bhanu Peri: Definitely the course content and the way it was structured. The videos were bite-sized, but every word felt like it could be etched in gold. The program curriculum covered everything from customer centricity and market opportunity analysis to financial analysis and executive presence. It was a masterclass in what it means to align product strategy with business objectives. Today, I have the skills and the mindset to think and act more like a seasoned and grounded product leader.

Q: How did the people you met during the program—whether peers or mentors—contribute to your growth?

Bhanu Peri: The cohort was thoughtfully selected. We came from diverse industries and brought so many perspectives. I learned just as much from my peers as from the faculty. My study group was a constant support system, and I made it a point to connect biweekly with someone new in the cohort.

The networking event and team projects really allowed us to form strong bonds. Plus, the success coach and professors were always there to guide us. They were mentors who truly understood the challenges that experienced product leaders face daily.

Read more: Meet Professor Mohanbir Sawhney: Kellogg Faculty in Product Leadership

Q: Looking back, how did you manage to stay motivated and on track throughout a program designed for working professionals?

Bhanu Peri: Consistency and momentum are the keys to staying focused and motivated during the learning journey of the Kellogg program, whether it comes to submitting your assignments or finishing your video modules.

I also learned to be very strategic with my electives. The program offers a wide array of topics such as AI strategies, business analytics, and digital marketing. But you can’t do them all at once. You have to pace yourself and choose what aligns best with your professional goals.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering this program to step into a senior or C-level product role?

Bhanu Peri: If you want to step into an executive product role, this program is absolutely worth it. Whether you are coming from core product, marketing, or even tech, it gives you the skills and confidence to operate at the highest levels.

My advice would be to use the network diligently, reach out to the program’s past participant network, and lean on your success coach. The transformation is real, but you have to own the journey.

Kellogg Chief Product Officer Program: Designed for Experienced Product Leaders

The Chief Product Officer Program from Kellogg, delivered in collaboration with Emeritus, was launched in 2021 and has empowered over 100 executives till date. It encompasses critical areas including product vision, customer-centric thinking, and business acumen to resonate with the real-time needs of senior executives. Led by renowned faculty bringing their years of experience in the product development and leadership field, led by Professor Mohanbir Sawhney, the program spans core topics, including:

• Product Strategy and Portfolio Management
• Strategic Foresight and Growth Thinking
• Design Thinking and Market Opportunity Analysis
• Financial Decision-Making for Product Leaders
• Leadership Communication, EQ, and Influence

Participants can select from an array of electives designed for today’s fast-moving environment—from AI and digital marketing to advanced analytics and innovation strategy.

Here’s a glimpse of the networking experience that Kellogg executive education programs provide:

Bhanu Peri’s experience is a testament to how this executive education program from Kellogg not only supports online learning journeys, but also helps product management professionals become visionary, high-impact leaders. For those looking to transition into, or thrive as, chief product officers (CPOs), this program is more than a credential—it is a launchpad.

Elevate your product leadership with the Kellogg Chief Product Officer Program today.

References:

1. LinkedIn